Published Thursday, December 20, 2012 (for the sales week ended Sunday, December 16, 2012). Based on reporting from many hundreds of independent bookstores across the United States. For information on more titles, please visit , www.IndieBound.org

OTHER INDIE FAVORITES
Hardcover
RAISED FROM THE GROUND: A Novel by Jose Saramago, Margaret Jull Costa (Trans.) (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $26, 9780151013258) Published in Portugal in 1980 and just now appearing in English, Saramagos third novel was worth the wait. A pivotal book in the late Nobel laureates development, this tale marks the debut of Saramagos inimitable literary voice: digressive, ironic, humorous, and graceful, but impatient with lyrical tosh, it features a narrator who speaks as we and embraces all of humanity in a drama of good versus evil. Scathing about the abuse of the poor by the rich and powerful, Saramagos story is nonetheless written from a deep faith in the pure-heartedness and resilience of the human spirit, showing how even the most down-trodden will eventually rise up. — Laurie Greer, Politics and Prose Books and Coffee Shop, Washington, DC

SONG OF THE VIKINGS: Snorri and the Making of Norse Myths by Nancy Marie Brown (Palgrave Macmillan, $27, 9780230338845) As you read about 13th century storyteller Snorri Sturluson and his writing, you will also learn about the history of the fiercely independent Icelanders and their often difficult relationships with their Scandinavian neighbors. This book is full of blood-curdling tales of family rivalries all interwoven with stories of Norse gods and other mythical creatures of the sagas. Those who have read Tolkiens Lord of the Rings will find some names that will sound oddly familiar!
— Dominica Borg, Norwich Bookstore, Norwich, VT

Paperback
MEMOIR OF THE SUNDAY BRUNCH by Julia Pandl (Algonquin Books, $13.95, 9781616201722) Growing up the youngest in a family of nine can make a kid feel lost, but the alternative, moving to a far-off suburb while all the older kids stay behind, can be even worse. Its a good thing then that the author was forced to tend to pancakes at a young age so she could further bond with her eccentric restaurateur father. Pandl shares family stories that will resonate with anyone from a large family, and some of the kitchen tales make Anthony Bourdains confessions seem tame. But most of all, this is the story of a womans bond with her father, built slowly with blocks of forced labor and family craziness, and then, when all that was swept away, rebuilt with the help of a lot of care and a bit of humor. — Daniel Goldin, Boswell Book Company, Milwaukee, WI

For Ages 4 to 8
THE VERY HELPFUL HEDGEHOG by Rosie Wellesley (Trafalgar Square, $8.99, 9781843651987) This book wins all the cute awards! The hedgehog in question is adorable, the dilemma of dealing with an apple stuck to his spines is hilarious, and the solution comes in an unexpected form. This is a lovely story of what it means to learn to be a friend. — Elizabeth Anker, Alamosa Books, Albuquerque, NM